DescriptionAn occupational-medicine specialist is trained in the study of work- or employment-related health and safety. In addition to knowledge of general medicine, occupational-medicine specialists have in-depth knowledge of specific workplace conditions and often work with nurses and other health care professionals to fine-tune diagnoses and treatment according to the risks associated with the patient’s employment conditions. A subset of the occupational-medicine specialty is occupational-health psychology (OHP), which combines traditional health and safety factors with an exploration of work-related psychological factors that can have an impact on patients’ health. Occupational-medicine specialists can be employed by specific companies or work in private practice, and may have training in labor law, environmental hazards and other subspecialties.

Dr. head was educated at the following institutions:

Medical School Attended:georgetown university school of medicine

Year of Graduation:
1995

Dr. head received medical licensing as follows:

Medical License:
Recieved in 1997

State Medical License:
Issued in the state of California

Dr. head accepts insurance from these companies:

united healthcare

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See what state and federal disciplinary actions (if any) have been reported against this doctor in the past five years.>

Disciplinary Actions: Not Available

Disciplinary actions are actions taken to punish or restrict physicians who have demonstrated professional misconduct. They are intended to correct the doctor's misconduct. Physicians with disciplinary actions may continue to practice, depending on the board's decision. Physicians who have had a disciplinary action in one state will often move to another state where he/she may have a clean record in that new state. Lifescript's Doctor Finder compiles disciplinary action information from all 50 states, you'll know if a physician has a disciplinary action in more than one state.

Occupational medicine is a specialty devoted to optimal health, safety and welfare in the workplace. This practice focuses on preventative health care for employees; treating work-related injuries, illness and disability; and promoting the overall well-being of a company’s work force.

According to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), occupational medicine covers a diverse range of issues, including ergonomics, indoor air quality, toxic exposure, workplace violence and other issues. The occupational physician helps increase overall productivity by helping to increase health awareness; prevent injuries; control workplace hazards; and manage absences, disabilities and health care benefits. An occupational physician may be employed by specific companies or work in private practice, and may have training in labor law, environmental hazards and other subspecialties.

A subset of occupational medicine is occupational health psychology (OHP), which explores how certain health and safety factors affect the psychological well-being of employees. According to the Oxford Journal of Occupational Medicine, depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in the workplace.

When would I need to see an occupational physician, and what services does this specialty offer?

Visit an occupational physician after suffering an injury or illness as a result of job responsibilities. Such injuries could include back pain from heavy lifting, a broken or sprained limb from slipping and falling on the job, or carpal tunnel syndrome from excessive computer use or repetitive motion in your job.

Occupational physicians are trained to diagnose and treat work-related injuries and determine an employee’s ability to perform certain functions in his or her job. They also determine when an ill or injured employee can safely return to work. Specialists have in-depth knowledge of specific workplace conditions and serve as liaisons between employers, employees, government agencies and health care professionals to help ensure optimal health and well-being in the workplace. Prevention and awareness are a main focus.

How common are workplace injuries?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 3.27 million nonfatal, work-related injury and illness cases were filed in 2009:

965,000 involved time off from work

379,340 involved sprains, strains or tears

195,150 involved injuries to the back

212,760 were due to falls

Why is occupational medicine important?

Occupational medicine is important due to the rise in obesity, chronic diseases such as diabetes, and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Aging employees also make preventative health care and treatment imperative issues in the workplace.

For employers, occupational medicine is a potentially money-saving component of any business model. According to the ACEOM, statistics show that for every dollar spent on wellness, employers typically get a return on investment ranging from $2 to $5, calculated by the percentage of reduced absenteeism and medical costs, and increased productivity.